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A review by nerdella_reads
With the Light: Raising an Autistic Child Vol. 2 by Keiko Tobe
5.0
I can't believe I finished the final volume of With the Light in one sitting, but this series has been that engaging. This volume is not like the others in that it is not complete, but it was satisfying nonetheless.
Those fammilar with the series know how much trouble Sachiko has had with her mother-in-law, and it is little changed in this final addition to the series. Mrs. Azuma is making efforts to understand Hikaru and his habits, but she is as deeply rooted in her way of doing things as he is and Sachiko is the one who is the brunt of her criticism and frustration as a result. Even though Mrs. Azuma complains almost constantly to her daughter-in-law, particulary about how she thinks Sachiko is neglecting Kanon (Sachiko's daughter and Hikaru's sister) in favor of Hikaru, she tries to make things run more smoothly by offering to take Kanon to activities she wants to do. Though it is obvious Mrs. Azuma favors Kanon, her attitude toward Hikaru has significantly softened even if the same high expectations and embarrassment remains.
Masato also got a nice subplot, dealing with a coworker of his who has developed a crush on him due to his kindness in regards to her brother developing a disability due to an accident. Masato makes it clear that he thinks of Oka as a daughter and wants her to find her own happiness. Oka says goodbye to him, a little bit broken-hearted but filled with resolved.
The family and publishers of Keiko Tobe were kind enough to include in the final volume scripts and sketches she worked on while she was on her sickbed. They give us a glimpse into the wonderful stories Tobe had planned to finish but was unable to, which include Masto's sister and her family's surprising acceptance of Hikaru due to their living in the U.S. and its more widespread acceptance of autism compared to the of Japan's, a conclusion to Eri's sad story that offers some hope, and a look back on friends Hikaru and Sachiko have had to leave behind as time has passed.
Also included in this volume are two short stories Tobe wrote and drew before the serialization of With the Light. I won't spoil them here, but both are well written and touching in their own ways. Even before she became famous for With The Light it was obvious then the talent she possessed.
It goes without saying that if you want to read this book you should read the others first. Even if you are not looking to learn more about autism and just want a good manga to devour, this series is one I recommend.
Those fammilar with the series know how much trouble Sachiko has had with her mother-in-law, and it is little changed in this final addition to the series. Mrs. Azuma is making efforts to understand Hikaru and his habits, but she is as deeply rooted in her way of doing things as he is and Sachiko is the one who is the brunt of her criticism and frustration as a result. Even though Mrs. Azuma complains almost constantly to her daughter-in-law, particulary about how she thinks Sachiko is neglecting Kanon (Sachiko's daughter and Hikaru's sister) in favor of Hikaru, she tries to make things run more smoothly by offering to take Kanon to activities she wants to do. Though it is obvious Mrs. Azuma favors Kanon, her attitude toward Hikaru has significantly softened even if the same high expectations and embarrassment remains.
Masato also got a nice subplot, dealing with a coworker of his who has developed a crush on him due to his kindness in regards to her brother developing a disability due to an accident. Masato makes it clear that he thinks of Oka as a daughter and wants her to find her own happiness. Oka says goodbye to him, a little bit broken-hearted but filled with resolved.
The family and publishers of Keiko Tobe were kind enough to include in the final volume scripts and sketches she worked on while she was on her sickbed. They give us a glimpse into the wonderful stories Tobe had planned to finish but was unable to, which include Masto's sister and her family's surprising acceptance of Hikaru due to their living in the U.S. and its more widespread acceptance of autism compared to the of Japan's, a conclusion to Eri's sad story that offers some hope, and a look back on friends Hikaru and Sachiko have had to leave behind as time has passed.
Also included in this volume are two short stories Tobe wrote and drew before the serialization of With the Light. I won't spoil them here, but both are well written and touching in their own ways. Even before she became famous for With The Light it was obvious then the talent she possessed.
It goes without saying that if you want to read this book you should read the others first. Even if you are not looking to learn more about autism and just want a good manga to devour, this series is one I recommend.